Jeweller Montblanc has announced that it is joining forces with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the 46664 Campaign and celebrated the news with a reception in New York.

The project revolves around the sales of the new 46664 bangle - available in gold, silver and platinum - and is aimed at raising awareness of HIV/AIDS.

http://www.jckonline.com/article/CA6608074.html
http://bangles.46664.com/

Meanwhile, a host of celebrities have been spotted in recent weeks wearing platinum jewellery at various red-carpet events.

Elizabeth Banks appeared at the 'W' movie press conference in Los Angeles on 7th October wearing platinum drop earrings, bracelets and a cocktail ring.

Demi Moore wore a pair of platinum drop earrings and a cocktail ring at the 'Glamour Reel Moments' event in Los Angeles on 14th October.

The following day, songbird Mariah Carey performed at the '2008 Spirit of Life Award Dinner' wearing platinum drop earrings and a wide cuff bracelet.

On the same evening, actress Glenn Close sported a pair of platinum cluster earrings and a 1930s bracelet at the '2008 Princess Grace Awards Gala', also in Los Angeles.

'High School Musical' star Ashley Tisdale attended the premiere of the latest film wearing platinum drop earrings and bracelets, a combination also chosen by Amy Adams as she attended the 'International Women's Media Foundation Courage in Journalism Awards'.

Adams also dazzled in platinum drop earrings, bracelets and a cocktail ring at the premiere of her film 'Doubt' on 30th October.

Monica Coleman also appeared at the 'High School Musical 3' premiere on 16th October sporting hoop earrings, a pendant necklace and a bracelet - all made from platinum.

Liv Tyler attended the 'Spike RV's 2008 Scream Awards' decked out in a pair of platinum earrings and multiple platinum cocktail rings with diamonds and onyx.

'Dancing with the Stars' host Samantha Harris appeared on screen on 27th October with over $1 million worth of platinum jewellery, including bangles, drop earrings, a pendant and a ring.

The following night, she wore a matching necklace and earrings by Tacori.

Elsewhere, Scarlett Johansson wore a platinum necklace and bracelet - with 32 and 27 carats worth of diamonds respectively - at the '2008 Benefit for the Michael J. Fox Foundation' in New York on 5th November.

Heather Graham wore a platinum cuff at the 17th Annual BAFTA/LA Britannia Awards and Evan Rachel Wood showed off a platinum bracelet at the 2008 AFI FEST Centerpiece Gala Screening of 'The Wrestler'.

An increasing number of celebrities are also choosing to say 'I do' with a platinum engagement ring.

Mariah Carey ($2.5 million platinum and 17-carat pink diamond), Brooke Mueller ($500,000 platinum and 11-carat yellow diamond) and Jennifer Hudson ($250,000 platinum and 5-carat diamond) have shown off the most expensive rings in recent weeks.

Others include Jamie Pressly, Eva Longoria, Jessica Alba, Ali Larter, Katherine Heigl, Ashlee Simpson, Carmen Electra, Ellen Pompeo and Fergie.

http://www.prlabonline.com

New research from US trade publication, National Jeweller, has revealed that despite the economic downturn, people on higher salaries will still be spending their fair share on fine jewellery during the holiday season.

The exclusive 'Consumer Jewellery Buying Survey' showed that five per cent of respondents believe that they will be buying platinum jewellery between October and December.

http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/nationaljewelernetwork/images/pdf/NJN_Oct08_HolidayConsumer.pdf


A leading online entertainment network is featuring a range of platinum wedding rings in a special section dedicated to platinum jewellery on its website.

Vogue.tv offers visitors the chance to watch videos and see pictures of the Novell platinum wedding ring styles PE2347-LA, P1892-3LCC and P1815-8GCC.

http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=66449&cat=1

Jewellers in California are reporting a rise in the sales of wedding rings after a court ruling in May meant marriage licenses can now be issued to same-sex couples*, the National Jeweller Network reports.

A Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy study found that such weddings could make an extra $683.6 million for the bridal industry over the next three years.

In particular, sales of wide platinum bands, which are often favoured by males, are expected to rise sharply.

http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independent/e3i358e2c5002ec6e85647f5595192710e9?imw=Y

* Note: This decision has subsequently been overturned.